Dumbbell

ABSTRACT

A configurable dumbbell is provided. The dumbbell is useful for both one-handed and two-handed workout exercises in a single device. The dumbbell can also be reconfigured into separate dumbbells that have both single-handed and double-handed advantages. The dumbbell can be used in single-handed, double-handed, rotational momentum, and non-rotational momentum exercises or any combination thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a configurable dumbbell. The dumbbellis useful for both one-handed and two-handed workout exercises. Thedumbbell is designed for easy addition and subtraction of plate weightsand can also be configured into a variety of different workout devices.The invention provides a simple and convenient single workout devicethat can be incorporated into various routines that employ one andtwo-handed movements. The device of the present invention can also beconfigured into a more traditional two-handed long curl bar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for weight lifters to use a combination dumbbells andkettlebells in routines that build arm, shoulder, neck, and abdominalmuscles. Traditional dumbbells have a single handle with weight plateson each end of the handle and are designed for single-arm use.Kettlebells have a raised handle over a generally round weight and theuser and are designed for double-arm use. It is often desirable torapidly switch between single-arm and double-arm exercises in a workoutroutine. Ordinarily, this is done by providing both dumbbells andkettlebells in close proximity to the athlete. The drawback is that thisrequires multiple devices and clutters the workout area.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,951 to Shepherd discloses a two-handed dumbbellwhere the weight is located off-center from the handles. This device isuseful for two-handed lifting routines and abdominal twists but itcannot be effectively used with a single hand. Moreover, theoff-centered design of the Shepherd device introduces rotationalmomentum during use that must be counteracted by the user. This isdisadvantageous for routines that focus on targeted muscle exercise.Although Shepherd discloses a two-handed dumbbell device, it is not adual-use device that can be used in both single and double-handedroutines.

U.S. Publication No. 2012/0172182 by Leier et al. discloses a dumbbellconfigured for two-handed and single-handed use. However, the Leierdisclosure is deficient as an effective dual-use device because thetwo-handed configuration necessarily introduces unwanted rotationalmomentum during use. The Leier device can be used in pendulum directedmaneuvers, but it cannot effectively work in upright twisting motionsfor exercising the abdomen because of the strong rotational forces thatexist in the off-centered location of the weight with respect to thehands.

There exists a need in the art for a single workout device that can beused in both single and double-arm workout routines where the weight isevenly suspended regardless of the user's grip selection. The furtherexists a need for a workout device where the double-grip method can beselectively applied between rotational momentum and non-rotationalmomentum in the same device. Finally, there exists a need for aconfigurable dumbbell that can be used in single and double-arm routinesand can also be converted into a traditional long curl bar, akettlebell, and a single-handle dumbbell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dumbbell that can be used in bothsingle and double-handed weightlifting maneuvers. In particular, theinvention relates to a dumbbell having multiple handles located betweenweight plates. By locating multiple handles between the plates, thedevice can be selectively used for traditional single-handed dumbbellroutines and traditional two-handed kettlebell routines in bothrotational momentum and non-rotational momentum movements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the expanded dumbbell in asingle-handle configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbell in atriple-handle configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbellconfigured into two traditional single-handled dumbbells.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbellconfigured into a traditional single-handled dumbbell and a two-handleddumbbell.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the dumbbell in a triple-handleconfiguration being used in a single-handed movement.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the dumbbell in a double-handleconfiguration being used in a two-handed movement.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top, right perspective view of the dumbbellconfigured into a traditional long curl bar.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and notlimiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appendedclaims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects ofthe invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly showeach element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and assuch, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate thevarious details of the invention in greater clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention. There are also representative examples ofthe invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout thefollowing detailed description, the same reference numeral refers to thesame elements in all figures.

The present invention provides a configurable dumbbell that can be usedin single and double-handed weight lifting routines. Referring generallyto FIGS. 1-7, there are handles (10) that are sized to fit within atleast three holes (22) of weight plates (20). The handles (10) may beformed of any sturdy material that will not deform under load. Weightplates (20) are formed of a generally rigid material, preferably castiron or other metal, and can have a variation of cross-sectional shapes,including a circle, squares, hexagons, and the like. An advantage to amulti-sided configuration is that the dumbbell will not inadvertentlyroll across the floor. In a preferred configuration, weight plates (20)have a hexagonal cross-section. Another suitable material for weightplates (20) would be of a sturdy plastic with an opening for receivingsand, water, or other type of temporary filling material. In thisconfiguration, the dumbbell could be shipped with empty weight plates(20) and the user could fill the plates with any type of heavy material,including cement.

Holes (22) can be of any number exceeding one, with a preferredarrangement being in odd numbers, such as 3, 5, 7, and upward. Thedisadvantage to having too many holes is that the weight of weightplates (20) is increasingly reduced with an increasing number of holes.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, weight plates (20) areprovided with three holes (22). Preferably, holes (22) have a lineararrangement. The advantage of a linear hole arrangement is that the usercan then employ the dumbbell in a two-handed exercise withoutintroducing rotational forces from offset weight distribution.

In one embodiment of the invention, there are multiple handles (10) thatcorrespond to the number of holes (22) in weight plates (20). Thus, in athree-hole arrangement, the dumbbell would have a corresponding numberof three handles (10), with each handle being configured for secureinsertion into a separate hole (22) in weight plate (20). In oneembodiment of the invention, handles (10) have threaded ends (12) oneach end whereby matching threaded inner nuts (30) and outer nuts (40)may be mechanically attached. Inner nuts (30) serve to prevent weightplates (20) from sliding inward toward the user's hand(s), while outernuts (40) prevent the weight plates (20) from falling off handles (10).In addition, as shown in several of the figures, the weight plates (20)can be stacked on threaded ends (12) to provide a desired weightcombination.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, outer nuts (40) areoversized such that one nut could securely connect the ends (12) of twohandles (10) together. As shown in FIG. 7, this configuration isadvantageous for creating a long curl bar (50) from three handles (10)using two outer nuts (40).

The versatility of the present invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. In FIG. 2, the triple-handle arrangement isshown. This arrangement allows the user to employ single anddouble-handed maneuvers on the same device. As shown in FIG. 5, for asingle-handed maneuver without rotational momentum the user would simplygrab the central handle (10) and use the device as a traditionaldumbbell. Without reconfiguring the device, the user could also grab theouter handles (10) of the three-handle arrangement and user the dumbbellfor kettlebell-type maneuvers, as shown in FIG. 6. If rotational forcesare not desired the user would grip the outer handles (10). However, theuser could easily switch to resisting rotational momentum in the routinein either the single or double-handed grips by holding an outer handlein a single-hand maneuver or by holding a center handle and an outerhandle in a double-hand maneuver. In this manner the dumbbell of thepresent invention can be used as a single device for a wide variety ofexercises calling for single-hand, double-hand, no rotational force,rotational force, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 3 shows an arrangement where the present dumbbell in a three-handleconfiguration can be converted into two traditional, center-handleddumbbells. FIG. 4 shows an additional arrangement where the dumbbell ofthe present invention in a three-handled arrangement can be convertedinto a traditional center-handled dumbbell and a two-handled dumbbellwith kettlebell characteristics.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dumbbell, comprising: a plurality of handles,each handle having a first end and a second end; a plurality of weightplates securely connected to the plurality of handles; a handle gripsection defined by an area between at least two opposing weight platesof the plurality of weight plates and encompassing said plurality ofhandles; and wherein at least one handle of the plurality of handles isoff-center relative to a center axis of the dumbbell.
 2. The dumbbell ofclaim 1, wherein each weight plate of the plurality of weight platesincludes a plurality of apertures configured to receive the end of theplurality of handles.
 3. The dumbbell of claim 2, where the plurality ofapertures is a substantially linear arrangement across the diameter ofthe weight plate.
 4. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the first end andthe second end of each handle of the plurality of handles is threaded toreceive a fastener.
 5. The dumbbell of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofweight plates is substantially hexagonal shaped.
 6. The dumbbell ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of weight plates further includes ahollow body configured to receive a weight filling material.
 7. Thedumbbell of claim 4, wherein the threaded end of a first handle isconnected to the threaded end of a second handle to form a unitaryhandle of an increased length.